ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Schemes for promoting domestic manufacturing of APIs
Indian export of APIs exceeds import in value terms
The quantity of API manufactured domestically is not readily available. However, the size of API and Intermediates market in India is estimated to be Rs. 96,000 crore in FY 2019-20. Further, as per data maintained by Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics , the quantity and value of API imported and exported in FY 2020-21 is given below:
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Quantity 
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Value 
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Imports
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|
3,90,476
|
|
28529
|
|
Exports
|
|
3,24,331
|
|
32856
The Department of Pharmaceuticals is implementing the following three  schemes for promoting domestic manufacturing of APIs to ensure their sustainable domestic supply and make India AtmaNirbhar :
- Production Linked Incentive  Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials / Drug Intermediates  and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients  In India: The scheme provides for financial incentives to manufacturers selected under the scheme for manufacturing of 41 Key Starting Materials / Drug Intermediates  and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients . The incentives will be provided on incremental sales to selected participants for a period of 6 years. The total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs. 6,940 crore and the tenure of the scheme is from FY 2020-2021 to 2029-30.
- Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks: The scheme provides for grant-in-aid to three  Bulk Drug Parks for creation of Common Infrastructure Facilities  with a maximum limit of Rs.1000 crore per park or 70% of the project cost of CIF, whichever is less. In case of North Eastern States and Hilly States  financial assistance would be 90% of the project cost. The total financial outlay of the Scheme is Rs. 3000 crore and the tenure of the Scheme is from FY 2020-21 to 2024-25.
- Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals: The scheme provides for financial incentives to manufacturers selected under the scheme for manufacturing of Key Starting Materials / Drug Intermediates  and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients  amongst other categories of formulations. The incentives will be provided on incremental sales to selected participants for a period of 6 years. The total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs. 15,000 crore and the tenure of the scheme is from FY 2020-2021 to 2028-29.
This information was given by the Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister greets the country on the occasion of Bhai Dhuj
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted the nation on the occasion of Bhai Dhuj, the festival that fosters ties between brothers and sisters.
VRRK/KP
(Visitor Counter : 477
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Steps by Government to boost the share of renewable energy in energy mix of the country
The Government has taken several steps to increase the share of renewable energy in energy mix of the country. These include:-
- Permitting Foreign Direct Investment  up to 100 percent under the automatic route,
- Waiver of Inter State Transmission System  charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025,
- Laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity for evacuation of renewable power,
- Declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation  up to the year 2029-30,
- Setting up of RE parks to provide land and transmission to RE developers on a plug and play basis,
- Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan , Solar Rooftop Phase II, 12000 MW CPSU Scheme Phase II, etc,
- Notification of standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic system/devices,
- Setting up of Project Development Cell for attracting and facilitating investments,
- Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV and Wind Projects.
- Government has issued orders that power shall be dispatched against Letter of Credit  or advance payment to ensure timely payment by distribution licensees to RE generators.
This information was given by Shri R.K Singh Union Minister for Power and MNRE in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
India's Active Caseload declines to 7,98,656; less than 8 lakh after 73 days
India reports 62,480 new cases in last 24 hours
2,85,80,647 Total Recoveries across the country so far
88,977 patients recovered during last 24 hours
Daily recoveries continue to outnumber the Daily New Cases for the 36th consecutive day
Recovery Rate increases to 96.03%
Weekly Positivity Rate remains below 5%, currently at 3.80%
Daily positivity rate at 3.24%, less than 5% for 11 consecutive days
Testing capacity substantially ramped up – 38.71 cr tests total conducted
26.89 Cr. Vaccine Doses administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Pulses sowing area more than 2.5 times in comparison to last year under kharif crops; area under oilseeds also considerably higher
Rice, coarse cereals and cotton sowing also more
The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India is taking several measures to facilitate the farmers and farming activities at field level during COVID 19 pandemic.
There has been satisfactory progress of sowing area coverage under Kharif crops, the status of which is given as under:
Sowing Area Coverage of Summer Crops:
Rice: About 120.77 lakh ha area coverage under summer rice as compared to 95.73 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
Pulses: About 64.25 lakh ha area coverage under pulses as compared to 24.49 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
Coarse Cereals: About 93.24 lakh ha area coverage under coarse cereals as compared to 71.96 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
Oilseeds: About 139.37 lakh ha area coverage under oilseeds as compared to 75.27 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
Sugarcane: About 50.89 lakh ha area coverage under sugarcane as compared to 50.59 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
Jute & Mesta: About 6.87 lakh ha area coverage under jute & mesta as compared to 6.82 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
Cotton: About 104.82 lakh ha area coverage under cotton as compared to 77.71 lakh ha. during the corresponding period of last year.
Link of details on sowing area
Ministry of Defence
INS SHARDUL ARRIVES AT KOCHI WITH LIQUID MEDICAL OXYGEN
As part of Operation Samudra Setu II, INS Shardul, the Indian Navy ship of the Southern Naval Command entered Kochi on 27 May 21 to disembark four ISO containers carrying 80 MT of liquid medical Oxygen.
Operation Samudra Setu-II was launched by the Indian Navy for shipment of medical Oxygen-filled cryogenic containers and associated medical equipment from various countries in support of the nation’s fight against Covid-19. The deployment of frontline warships including destroyers, frigates, tankers and amphibious ships of the Indian Navy for Operation Samudra Setu-II forms a significant part of the multiple lines of efforts, by the GoI and the Indian Navy to supplement the Oxygen requirement in the country.
As part of the operation, INS Shardul embarked 270 Metric Tonnes  of liquid medical Oxygen from Kuwait and UAE including 11 International Standardisation Organisation  containers, two semi trailers and 1200 Oxygen cylinders. The ship arrived at New Mangalore Port on 25 May 2021, & disembarked 190 MT of liquid medical Oxygen comprising seven ISO containers, two semi trailers and 1200 Oxygen cylinders.
An amphibious ship capable of carrying troops, armoured tanks, vehicles and armament for amphibious operations, INS Shardul is a versatile platform, also capable of undertaking Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. The ship attached to the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy based at Kochi, has actively participated in multiple humanitarian relief operations by the Indian Navy in the recent past. These include transhipment of 600 MT of rice to Antsiranana, Madagascar as humanitarian aid in March 2020 and repatriation of 233 Indian citizens from Iran during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020, as part of Operation Samudra Setu-I, by the Indian Navy.
The ship entered Kochi today afternoon and berthed at ICTT, Vallarpadam under Cochin Port Trust. The Oxygen containers were disembarked at the port and handed over to the Govt. of Kerala.
Deployment of INS Shardul for Op Samudra Setu-II demonstrates the commitment and resolve of the Southern Naval Command and the Indian Navy, to support our countrymen in the battle against COVID-19 in line with the spirit of 'Har Kaam Desh Ke Naam’.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Drought Toolbox launched on Day 10 of COP14
The 14th Conference of Parties  to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification  which is currently underway at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noidadedicated day 10 to the theme of Drought. The success and challenges of the current tools, methodologies and policies supporting drought preparedness, across the globe were discussed in today’s Conference at the Rio Pavilion Centre.
Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD, Executive Secretary in his opening remarks at the Drought Preparedness Day said “Drought is a major obstacle to achieving sustainable development goal-15. We need to move faster in our fight against drought. Let us dust this villain, and mitigate climate change”.The Sustainable Development Goals , also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The 17 SDGs are integrated—that is, they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability. The SDG-15 refers to: Protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Mr.Rene Castro, Assistant Director- General, Climate, Biodiversity, Land and Water Department, at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Ms. SamiaMkrumah, President of Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Centre, Ghana were amongst the key dignitaries.
This event highlighted the different causes of drought and also saw launch of a toolbox which is a one-stop shop for all actions on drought. The toolbox is a sort of knowledge bank which contains tools that strengthen the ability of countries to anticipate and prepare for drought effectively and mitigate their impacts as well as tools that enable communities to anticipate and find the land management tools that help them to build resilience to drought.
The India Pavilion at UNCCD COP14 also witnessed a panel discussion by International Union for Conservation of Nature  on Agriscapes. Mr. Deepak Kumar Sinha, IGF, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and DrVivekSaxena, Country Representative, IUCN India were among the panelists of the session.
In addition, important sessions on issues related to Land Degradation Neutrality, Sustainable Development Goals etc. were conducted.
India is the host country of the ongoing UNCCD COP14 which began from 2ndSeptember and will culminate on 13th September 2019.
To know more about the drought-toolbox, click here:
Prime Minister's Office
PM tweets an anecdote shared by Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi tweeted a thread about the rich cultural connect between India and Australia. The anecdote was shared by the Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell during the lunch in the honour of the visiting Australian Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"During the lunch in honour of my friend PM @AlboMP, the Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell shared something interesting…he was taught by one Mrs. Ebert in Grade 1 who left a deep impact on his life and credits her for his educational grounding.
Mrs. Ebert, her husband and her daughter Leonie, migrated from Goa in India to Adelaide in the 1950’s and started teaching at a school in Adelaide, Australia. Her daughter Leonie went on to be the President of the South Australian Institute of Teachers.
I was happy to hear this anecdote, which underlines the rich cultural connect between India and Australia. It is equally heartening to hear when someone refers to his or her teacher fondly."
Ministry of Defence
Maritime Security
The Government has taken a number of measures to strengthen coastal, offshore and maritime security. Broadly, these measures include capacity augmentation of maritime security agencies for surveillance and patrol of the nation’s maritime zones; enhanced technical surveillance of coastal and offshore areas; establishment of mechanisms for inter-agency coordination; increased regulation of activities in the maritime zones; as also integration of the fishing and coastal communities.
Indian Naval ships and aircraft are regularly deployed on ‘Mission Based Deployments’ in Indian Ocean Region to enhance maritime security. It also undertakes surveillance to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness and address contingencies that may arise. These are in consonance with Government of India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region  and the Maritime Security Strategy to build its role as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in our extended maritime neighbourhood. Besides this, India proactively engages with regional Navies to enhance friendship/cooperation and promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region . Operational interactions with friendly foreign countries include activities like Joint Exclusive Economic Zone  Surveillance, Coordinated Patrols on annual / bi-annual basis along the International Maritime Boundary Line , Maritime Exercises, etc.
India also exchanges Maritime Information bilaterally with Friendly Foreign Countries to create Maritime Domain Awareness in IOR. This includes information on military and naval assets of hostile / adversarial countries; assessment of maritime activities of mutual concern and activities related to transnational maritime based threats.
Besides these, India also participates in regional frameworks such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum , East Asia Summit  and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus  to expand its cooperation and exchanges with the Indo-Pacific region.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/DK/Savvy
(
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses shock over large explosion in Beirut city, Lebanon
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed shock and sadness over the large explosion in Beirut city, Lebanon.
The Prime Minister said, “Shocked and saddened by the large explosion in Beirut city leading to loss of life and property. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured.”
Ministry of Defence
Induction of New Weapons in Armed Forces
The induction of new aircraft, weapons etc into the Armed Forces is a continuous process. The details of important recent inductions in this regards are as under:-
Indian Army:
 Cheetal Helicopters.
 Advanced Light Helicopters  Mark 0/I/II/III.
 ALH .
 20 mm Turret Gun – Integrated with ALH  platform.
 70 mm Turret Gun – Integrated with ALH  platform.
Indian Navy:
 Dornier 228 aircraft
 Advance Light Helicopters 
 Chetak Helicopters
 P81 aircraft
Indian Air Force:
 Rafale aircraft
 Light Combat Aircraft
 C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft
 Chinook and Apache Helicopters
The Government is committed to boost “Atmanirbhar Bharat” scheme by inducting LCH and LUH helicopters in Armed Forces.
So far, till February 2021, the Government has issued 523 Industrial licenses for manufacturing of various items in Defence sector.
This information was tabled in a written reply by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik to a question asked by Shri Prathap Simha and Shri L S Tejasvi Surya in Lok Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/Savvy/ADA
(Visitor Counter : 473
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
“National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem”
Government has formulated a new scheme called ‘National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem’  to identify sewer and septic tanks workers across the country and provide them protective gears and mechanized equipment for cleaning of sewer and septic tanks.
Capital Subsidy of Rs. 22.93 Crore has been released for procurement of 286 units of sanitation related equipments/ projects by 641 Safai Karamcharis under SRMS.
National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation  has released loans of Rs 86.84 Crore to the State Channelizing Agencies  for procurement of mechanized cleaning equipments/ vehicles to 2509 number of beneficiaries under Swachhta Udyami Yojana  as on 30.06.2023.
This information was given by Minister of State for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Department of Atomic Energy
Generation Of Nuclear Power
The target for nuclear power by the turn of the century  has not been set yet. At present, the target set is to reach a nuclear power capacity of 22480 MW by 2031, from the 6780 MW at present.
In addition to projects presently under construction , the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for setting up ten indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors  of 700 MW capacity each in fleet mode. On the progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction, the installed nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22480 MW by the year 2031 which includes Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor [500 MW], being implemented by BHAVINI.
In addition to the sanctioned projects, the government has also accorded ‘In-Principle’ approval of the following five new sites for setting up nuclear power projects:
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Site & Location
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Capacity 
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In Cooperation With
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Jaitapur, Maharashtra
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6 X 1650
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France
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Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh
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6 X 1208
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United States of
America
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Chhaya, MithiVirdi, Gujarat
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6 X 1000|
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Haripur, West Bengal
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6 X 1000|
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Russian Federation
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Bhimpur, Madhya Pradesh
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4 X 700
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Indigenous
‘’ Nominal capacity.
This information was given by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Eastern Command Celebrates Army day
Kolkata, January 15, 2019
The Eastern Command today celebrated Army Day with dignity and honour to commemorate Lt Gen  K M Cariappa taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on this very day in 1949.
Lt Gen M M Naravane, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief , Eastern Command laid a wreath at Vijay Smarak, Fort William and paid homage to martyrs and courageous soldiers who laid down their lives while protecting the country. Similar ceremonies were organised in all military stations in the Eastern Theatre.
To mark the occasion, five units of Eastern Command were conferred with the Chief of Army Staff citation for exemplary professional performance. Similarly, 18 units were awarded the Unit Appreciation by GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, which includes 10 Infantry Battalions, two Artillery Regiments, two Engineer Regiments, one Aviation Squadron, one ASC Battalion and two Assam Rifles Battalions.
It is to be mentioned that on this very day, the Army reaffirms its commitments towards the nation and assures her peace and security.
Cabinet
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Bangladesh for cyber security cooperation
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Bangladesh for cyber security cooperation
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Bangladesh on cyber security cooperation between Indian Computer Emergency Response Team  under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and Bangladesh Government Computer Incident Response Team  Bangladesh Computer Council of Information and Communication Technology Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology of Bangladesh. The MoU was signed on 8th April, 2.017.
The MoU intends to promote cooperation between CERT-In and BGD e-Gov CIRT and includes exchange of information on Cyber attacks and cyber security incidents; Cyber security technology cooperation; exchange cyber security policies and best practices and Human Resource Development in this field in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of each country and on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefits.
The MoU between CERT-In and BGD e-Gov CIRT would be implemented through a duly set up Joint Committee on Cyber Security.
Background:
CERT-In is a national nodal agency under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, with the objective of securing Indian cyber space. Hence, CERT-In is collaborating with overseas Computer Emergency Response Teams  for incident response and resolution.
The agreement comes in the backdrop of Governments, business and consumers are increasingly faced with a variety of cyber threats. Besides, there is a need to further improve cyber security readiness and raise awareness around the importance of keeping systems secure and security practices and procedures current and recognizing the importance of cooperation by the two organizations in the area of cyber security.
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board Celebrates 63rd Railway Week Function at Rail Bhawan.
Shri Ashwani Lohani Presided Over the Function & Presented Merit Certificates & Cash Awards.
The 63rd Railway Week Function of Railway Board was organized on 11th April, 2018 in Rail Bhavan, New Delhi. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani presided over the function and presented Merit Certificates and Cash Awards to officials of Railway Board for their outstanding performances during the year 2017-18. Other Railway Board Members and Senior Officials were also present on the occasion.
Shri Ashwani Lohani presented the Running Efficiency Shield to ERB-III and TC-I Sections  of Railway Board selected as “Best Kept Section’ for maintaining high standards of efficiency, prompt disposal of cases and excellent up-keep of records. Besides this, Merit Certificates and Cash Awards were presented to 2 other well-maintained sections.
Merit Certificates and Cash Awards were given to 69 officials of Railway Board for their outstanding performance during the year 2017-18. Further, 52 Cash Awards were given to sportspersons and 10 Cash Awards to Cultural artists along with Appreciation Letters for their outstanding performance in the Inter-Ministry and All India Civil Services Tournaments. In addition, 3 Cash Awards were presented to Horticulture staff of Rail Bhawan for their excellent work. Also, Chairman Railway Board Trophy for Best Railway Engineer Regiment  was awarded to Railway Engineer Regiment , Chandigarh.
Details of Awards
1.
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2
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69
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||
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52@
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10#
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||
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3
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Total Awards
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136
@ Individual Awards – 41, Group Awards – 11
# Individual Awards – 9, Group Award – 01
2. CRB Trophy for Best Railway Engineer Regiment  – Railway Engineer Regiment , Chandigarh.
List of Awardees attached herewith.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to an accident in Hoshiarpur, Punjab
Approves ex-gratia from PMNRF
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to an accident in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Shri Modi has approved an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund  for the victims of the accident in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
“Expressing grief on the loss of lives due to an accident in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, PM @narendramodi has approved an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”